MLM companies are springing up everywhere these days. They sell everything from legal advice to beverages made from seaweed. Likely, if you've gotten as far as reading this article, you've already heard about the financial freedom and flexible scheduling a network marketing company can provide. But with the myriad options available, it can be overwhelming to choose one to dedicate your time, energy and credibility to.

Here are some guidelines to help keep you on the right track as you search for the work-at-home opportunity that suits you:

1. Look at the Products

Don't commit yourself to selling a product that is shoddy or not likely to be used. Look for product lines that are high quality, innovative, and, if at all possible, consumable. That means that you will receive residual income from repeat business.

2. Look at the Cost

Network marketers can find it difficult to see a product if their prospective customers know that another company is selling the same thing cheaper. Also, consider the kind of people you are going to be marketing this to. Will the prices seem to steep for the demographic you will be marketing in?

The cost of enrollment is another important factor. High startup fees could hinder your attempts to recruit new distributors later on. While startup fees usually cover training materials and some sample products, they really shouldn't be any higher than $100.

3. Look at the Company

What is the company about. What is its motto? What is the motivation of the management. Is the company geared toward customers? Distrbutors? Or has everyone in headquarters forgotten what it was like to be in your shoes? Is the company growing? Is it successful or limping along and likely to fold and leave you in the dust?

Do they promote charities and donate time to community service? In today's MLM, you have to give before you expect to get, or you'll get labeled as a pushy, greedy salesperson, and prospects will run when they see you coming. This principle should begin in headquarters.

4. Look for Confidence

Membership in an organization like the Direct Selling Association or the Better Business Bureau give consumers and consultants alike the confidence that they are doing business with a company that has integrity.

Look for a company that stands behind its products proudly, with a 100% money back guarantee.

5. Look at the Convenience

You don't want to end up feeling that the income you make is not sufficient repayment for the inconvenience you've dealt with. Will there be a large inventory to keep at your house? Will you be making deliveries to customers all over town. Is there complicated paperwork or a long wait for supplies to be shipped? A consultant should receive product 24 to 48 hours after ordering it from headquarters.

What is the company's marketing structure like, and can you live with it? Can you really do the home-party thing? Are the recruiting methods going to require you to do things you consider degrading or embarrassing? Will you be able to leverage the Internet to help you with sales and promotions?

6. Look for Support

Support, mentorship and ongoing training both from corporate and from your local sponsor will be crucial to your success. Look for a company that is dedicated to the personal development of its representatives and an upline that is supportive and accessible. In addition, plug yourself into quality online training programs and learn the skills of effective network marketing lead generation.

7. Look for a Business You can Be Proud of

If you don't believe wholeheartedly in your company, you won't be able to display the confidence needed to succeed at network marketing. Don't try to fit a round peg into a square hole. There is enough variety in this industry that you are sure to find a product and a business opportunity that stimulates your interest. You don't have to be into vitamins and wellness. Maybe it's cooking for you, or jewelry or even legal services. Look for whatever fuels your passion or puts your unique talents to use.